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Four top-shelf New Year's Eve destinations (and something else)
If you plan to make New Year's Eve memorable, you need to start pulling the trigger now. The best stuff does get snapped up quickly, and even if you have a load of cash at your disposal, you could wind up late to the party. So, if a shortage of ideas is the only thing in your way, check out the five suggestions below. For four of them, be prepared to spend some dough. The fifth is for everyone else.
1. Villa Sancha (Spain)
Head out to the Andalucian valley of southern Spain and make Villa Sanchez your spot for the biggest party night of the year. Enjoy the private outdoor courtyard at this Abercrombie & Kent villa, and be sure to pass a relaxing day at an Arab bath in Malaga. Sip some sherry in nearby Jerez. This sort of luxury isn't cheap, but it's worth it: eight adults, one child starts at $6,207 ... but a welcome meal is included.
2. Hotel Martinez (France)
This is a disco-lover's dream. Groove along to tribute band Bee Gees Magic at the Hotel Martinez, which is apparently a hot group for those who are into that kind of thing. Enjoy an amazing gala dinner in the Salon Royal Galuchat, prepared by Chef Christian Sinicropi, and then let the glitter fly. The deal starts at $719 a night, but it includes the New Year's Eve party (with dinner, champagne and wines selected by master sommelier). For an extra $120 a person, you can celebrate the 80th anniversary of the hotel. Stay overnight on December 31, 2009 in a Superior room, and indulge in a buffet breakfast or continental breakfast served in your room.
3. Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel (United States)
The Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel and 606 Congress restaurant next door are ready to help you celebrate the start of 2010 in style. The "New Year's Eve Beantown Bonus" package includes a night at the hotel, dinner for two at 606 Congress on New Year's Eve and breakfast the next day and a late checkout. To help you get your motor running, you'll receive free use of the health club and lap pool ... not to mention a Starbucks card loaded appropriately to $20.10. Rates start at $299 a night.
4. Palmasola (Mexico)
This is beyond insane. A staff of 16 will attend to you and up to 17 other guests in a 25,000 beach-front villa. You'll have a Michelin chef preparing your meals, and a party will be held for you and your friends. And, if that isn't enough, you'll have access to the Four Seasons resort not far away, and the Jack Nicklaus golf course. Be prepared to spend: partying at this level will set you back $18,750 a night, for a minimum of five nights.
5. Set yourself up for next year (Anywhere)
Take one last mileage run to see if you can finally hit gold or platinum elite status on the airline of your choice. Do shots of Absolut in an airport bar, and feast on whatever's left at Au Bon Pain. Hey, this is an investment in the 365 days to come.
Filed under: Europe, North America, France, Spain, Mexico, United States, Nightlife
